Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace (pronounced blen-ham) is one of the most stunning locations in the whole country. In order to help you with your trip, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to Blenheim Palace. Enjoy!

Home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture that boasts over 300 years of history to discover. While the current structure was built between 1705 and 1722, the estate’s history goes back much further:
 

• This site was the original location of the manor of Woodstock. It used to be a royal demesne, but in reality it was little more than a deer park, created by Henry I.
• Henry II housed his mistress Rosamund Clifford, known as ‘Fair Rosamund’, on the estate. He had a complicated maze built in the park where he would meet Rosamund in the innermost recesses of the labyrinth. The palace grounds still have the spring in which Rosamund was said to have bathed.
• Before her succession to the throne, Elizabeth I was imprisoned here by her half-sister Mary I between 1554 and 1555.

 
This World Heritage Site is set within more than 2000 acres of Parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, and the Palace itself houses some of the finest collections of antique furniture in Europe. Importantly, it is the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England which holds the title of palace.
 
Situated in Woodstock, just 8 miles from Oxford, Blenheim Palace is Britain’s Greatest Palace and offers visitors a precious time, every time. Join us on our Blenheim Palace Day Tour to find out more about this wonderful location!